Microsoft · 1 week ago
Principal User Researcher
Redmond, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$140K/yr - $275K/yr
6+ years expMicrosoft is a leading company in cloud computing and data analytics, seeking a Principal User Researcher for its Azure Data Research team. The role involves leveraging expertise in user motivations and workflows to inform product strategy and design, while collaborating closely with stakeholders to ensure research insights drive decision-making.
Agentic AIApplication Performance ManagementArtificial Intelligence (AI)Business DevelopmentDevOpsInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyManagement Information SystemsNetwork SecuritySoftware
Responsibilities
Lead collaboration with a high-performing UX Research team by bringing prior expertise across qualitative, survey, usability, and metrics-based research, while also partnering with big data experts to integrate behavioral data into research insights
Own and foster relationships with PM and Design leadership across the Azure Data Organization, representing research at a strategic level and ensuring alignment with cross-functional priorities
Own end-to-end research initiatives across qualitative and quantitative methods, leveraging prior experience to define the right approach (e.g., ethnographic explorations, usability studies, heuristic evaluations, interviews, contextual inquiry, surveys, user journey maps, and benchmarks) and representing research for your area with authority and independence
Synthesize and communicate insights at scale by creating compelling narratives and delivering them directly to product leaders, influencing product growth directions and strategic decisions
Shape research programs by aligning to organization-wide priorities and success criteria, owning the design and execution of programs that meet the needs of the Azure Data organization and represent research at the highest levels
Qualification
Required
Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years User Experience Research experience
OR Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years User Experience Research experience
OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years User Experience Research experience OR equivalent experience
4+ years relevant domain experience within technology sector
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role
These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: - This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter
Preferred
Doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 5+ years user experience research experience
OR Master's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 8+ years user experience research experience
OR Bachelor's Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Communications, Information Science, Information Architecture, User Experience Design, Behavioral Science, Social Sciences, or related field AND 10+ years user experience research experience OR equivalent experience
4+ years relevant domain experience within technology sector
4+ years experience in research methods impacting both product direction and detailed experience design
Benefits
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Company
Microsoft
Microsoft is a software corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Microsoft has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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2025 (9192)
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Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1MKey Investors
Technology Venture Investors
2022-12-09Post Ipo Equity
1986-03-13IPO
1981-09-01Series Unknown· $1M
Leadership Team
Satya Nadella
Chairman and CEO
Vukani Mngxati
Chief Executive Officer - Microsft South Africa
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